How to Replace a Toilet
Replacing a toilet is a great weekend project that can refresh a bathroom and stop leaks for good. With a helper, a wax ring, and an hour or two of patience, you can swap it out yourself.
Safety firstToilets are heavy and awkward. Get a helper for the lift, and protect your back by squatting, not bending.
What You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench & channel locks
- Putty knife or scraper
- New wax ring (or rubber gasket)
- New closet bolts
- Hacksaw
- Sponge & bucket
- Level
Step-by-Step
- Turn off the water and empty the bowlClose the shut-off valve behind the toilet, flush, and use a sponge to remove leftover water from the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the supply lineUnscrew the supply line from the bottom of the tank with channel locks. Have a bucket ready.
- Unbolt the old toiletPop the caps off the floor bolts and remove the nuts. Rock the toilet gently to break the wax seal and lift it off.
- Clean the flangeScrape every bit of old wax off the floor flange. Stuff a rag into the drain to block sewer gas.
- Set the new wax ringPress a fresh wax ring onto the underside of the new toilet (or onto the flange — either works).
- Set the new toiletLower the toilet straight down over the bolts, then press evenly with body weight to compress the wax. Check level.
- Bolt it downHand-tighten the nuts, then snug them with a wrench in small alternating turns. Do not overtighten — porcelain cracks.
- Connect the supply line and testReattach the supply line, slowly open the valve, fill the tank, and flush several times to check for leaks.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.